Whats it like here? Is it a good alternative to India?

Yes, india and srilanka is like hell and heaven.

>>2803999 (OP)
North is Indian, moved over by Anglos to grow tea.
South are Malagasy, sailors from the east African islands.

Like a cross between India and Thailand, because of the Buddhism. Colombo is not more dirty or overwhelming than, say, Bangkok or Hanoi. The nature is nice, the food won't change your life but it's good. The tea plantations are a meme and are not beautiful IMO.

>>2803999 (OP)
compared to india its clean like a hospital, i found people very kind, they dont bother you
i did a typical tourist route so it might be different in the north and east of the country
food is mid tho like the other anon said